More Digital Photography Talk

[rhinorick]

Yes, your computer.  If you are into digital photography, then your computer is an important accessory.

My tip in this post is "protecting your computer from power surges and lightening strikes".

Let me say first that I am a computer programmer and computer tech support.  I have been in those roles for nearly 20 years now.     I am also a web site designer.  So I have seen and I know.  

Just this week, 2 different friends told me that their computers were damaged by lightening strikes in this past storm we had the end of last week.  That is why I decided to post this tip.

Many people use surge protectors/suppressors.  They are fine and dandy ... but they will not do much if there is a direct strike of lightening on your power line.

And ... a MAJOR point here .... they will help NOTHING if you have your phone line plugged into your computer's modem directly from your phone jack.

A major source of power surges  comes through the phone cable itself ... especially lightening strikes.

So ... my tip ... and what I do ALWAYS .... UNPLUG when not using.

Unplug the phone cable from the back of your computer and unplug your power strip or surge suppressor from the wall.

Too much trouble?  Maybe.   But I would rather take a simple, easy extra step each time than risk losing my system.

You make the call.  It's your investment.

Tip to make the "unplug" easier .... plug everything (computer, printer, scanner, etc.) into one power strip or surge suppressor.  When done using your system, after you power down your computer, simply unplug the power strip from the wall.  That way, one "unplug" unplugs everything.  Lightening and surges cannot destroy that which is not plugged in.

And don't forget to unplug your phone cable (from the wall or your modem, whichever is easiest to get to) also!!! Even if the phone cable goes through the surge suppressor.  Unplugging the surge suppressor does not disconnect the phone cable.

[rhinorick]

An additional note .....

Don't be like those people who say "I'll just unplug if a lightening storm comes up".  

What if you are not home when the storm rises?  Or like the one friend I mentioned above who heard the lightening so she unplugged her computer ... only one lightening strike too late it appears.  

Anyway, this tip is not meant to scare you.  Please don't take it like that.  It is just meant as a quick and easy tip to possibly help save you lots of aggravation and money down the road.

[Deb]

I recommend UPS devices (uninterrupted power supplies that also have surge protection) rather than "surge protectors/suppressors" only. There's nothing like being in the middle of an edit and having the power go out. With a UPS, you have time to save and close out what you're working on and shut down the computer. I've got one on each computer and they've been a file saver.  

[rhinorick]

Yes, a very good choice for those who have the money to invest in one.  Very good point Deb.  Thanks.

Most UPS devices do not have a port or protection for phone lines, so it is still a good idea to unplug those phone lines.

[Deb]

Fortunately, you can get a decent one for between $80 and $110. Not pocket change I agree, but not too steep and worth the investment.  

[rhinorick]

Yes, not too bad.  

I still recommend ... highly ... unplugging the UPS during an electrical storm, and that will therefore unplug everything attached to it.  One simple "unplug".

If it were me ... I would unplug it when I am not using it.

That's just me.  I have been around and seen too much.   I have had to replace too many systems in our 230 stores ... even when they use a very expensive, quality UPS at each.  Especially at this time of year, when the number of electrical storms is at a high. The UPS will only go so far in protection.  And even the UPS needs protecting.

Anyway ... a tip to ponder.  Our equipment is too vital, and expensive, to take chances.  

[Deb]

My point was to suggest using UPS devices rather than common surge protector/suppressors. I was not addressing whether or not to unplug devices, phones, etc..  

[rhinorick]

Yes, understood.  

I was just empasizing that point in case anyone misunderstood and thought a UPS would solve the spike/strike problem.  

Of course a good UPS will protect your equipment much more than a common surge suppressor.  So a UPS is a good choice if within a person's budget.

[kingsin]

 :oThat's terrible. Thanks for your advice.

[rhinorick]

You're welcome.